FAQ
TL;DR: Set Kodi’s UI to 1280x720p for smoother use; “Pi Zero and Android do not go hand in hand.” Zero W can output 1080p but needs patience, and TV USB may power it if consistent. Prefer Pi 3 for comfort. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631678]
Why it matters: For non‑smart TV owners aiming for a low‑cost smart box, this answers OS, power, resolution, and control questions so you avoid sluggish setups and unsafe power cuts.
Quick Facts
- Zero W can output 1080p, but set Kodi’s interface to 1280x720p and expect longer startup times. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631678]
- Pi 3B/3B+ need a 5V/2A PSU; TV USB is ~0.5A; peaks can reach ~1.5A with Wi‑Fi and HDMI. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18632831]
- Pi 4B requires a proper PSU and uses micro HDMI; don’t power it from a TV USB port. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631819]
- A Mi Box TV at similar cost to a Pi 4B works out of the box as Android TV. [Elektroda, starob, post #18631832]
- For TV‑synced power, trigger shutdown first, then cut power; RPi supports HDMI‑CEC; many leave it always on. [Elektroda, starob, post #18635093]
Can I install Android TV on Raspberry Pi Zero W?
Not reliably. “Pi Zero and Android do not go hand in hand.” Use Kodi or similar instead, and lower the UI to 1280x720p for smoother navigation. Expect patience during operation and startup on the Zero W. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631678]
Can my TV’s USB port power a Raspberry Pi Zero W?
Often yes, if the TV’s USB provides power when on or always. Kodi will take a while to start. Keep the UI at 1280x720p to lighten the load and improve responsiveness. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631678]
Will Raspberry Pi Zero W handle 1080p output?
It supports 1080p output, but smooth use is another matter. Set the interface to 1280x720p for comfort. “There is a difference between handling and comfortably using.” [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631678]
Is a Raspberry Pi 3 better than Zero W for a TV box?
Yes. It offers much better performance and a smoother Kodi experience. “You’d better invest in a newer Pi 3 model.” The price bump yields meaningful comfort. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631678]
Is Raspberry Pi 3B+ stable and well supported?
Yes. The 3B+ is well supported, as are most Raspberry Pi models. New models start weaker, then mature quickly due to the community’s size. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18632831]
Can a TV USB port power a Raspberry Pi 3B or 3B+?
No. Use a 5V/2A supply. A TV’s USB port is typically 0.5A. A 3B can draw about 1A on CPU alone and peak near 1.5A with Wi‑Fi and HDMI. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18632831]
What’s the status of Kodi on Raspberry Pi 4B?
Early users reported issues. Check current progress before committing for Kodi. The hardware is capable, but verify software readiness for your needs. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631819]
Can I power a Raspberry Pi 4B from my TV’s USB port?
No. Use a solid, dedicated power supply. “Forget about 4B power supply from ordinary USB in the TV.” This avoids instability and boot issues. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631819]
How can I make the Pi start and shut down with the TV safely?
First trigger a clean shutdown, then cut power. One approach: 1) Detect TV USB 5V and signal the Pi’s Power/Shutdown pins. 2) Wait for a safe shutdown. 3) Cut 5V using a relay or MOSFET; 3D‑printer power boards can be adapted. “Better to leave it upstream all the time.” [Elektroda, starob, post #18635093]
Is it safe to cut power to the Pi without shutting down?
No. Sharp power cuts can cause filesystem errors on Linux systems. Always initiate a controlled shutdown before turning power off. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18633905]
Does Raspberry Pi support HDMI‑CEC for TV control?
Yes, Raspberry Pi supports HDMI‑CEC. It can help integrate control, but directionality may limit use. Many users still leave the Pi powered continuously. [Elektroda, starob, post #18635093]
Should I buy a Mi Box TV instead of a Pi for this use?
If your goal is a plug‑and‑play Android TV, yes. For the cost of a Pi 4B setup, a Mi Box TV “certainly works.” [Elektroda, starob, post #18631832]
Does Mi Box include a remote?
Yes. It comes with a remote control. Note there may be a downside depending on the manufacturer’s specifics. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631905]
What HDMI connector do these models use?
Pi 4B uses micro HDMI. Pi 3B uses full‑size HDMI. Pi Zero uses mini HDMI. Choose the correct cable or adapter before you start. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631819]
Can I leave the Raspberry Pi on 24/7 behind the TV?
Yes. Many do so because idle power draw is low and stability is good. You can hide it in a compact case for neatness. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18635168]
Which Kodi build should I consider for resiliency?
OpenELEC used a read‑only design and handled restarts better, but it’s likely unmaintained. LibreELEC is the current option to check. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18635168]
